Question 1

Which of the following explains continuing problems in communication for international managers?
A) Managers do not recognize the value of cross-cultural communication
B) Managers value communication in the abstract, but in the heat of actual situations communication can take a back seat to more urgent issues
C) Managers recognize that communication comes in many different forms
D) Managers assume that communication is different everywhere

Accepted Answer

Managers often understand the importance of communication in theory, but in practice, especially under pressure or in urgent situations, they might prioritize other immediate concerns over effective communication. This can lead to ongoing communication issues in international settings where clear and thoughtful communication is crucial.

Question 2

Measures of impact of a specific language include all but which one of the following?
A) Number of countries where a language is spoken
B) Number of total speakers of a language
C) The type of government in the country
D) The economic power of countries using the language

Accepted Answer

The type of government in a country does not directly impact the global influence or spread of a language. Measures like the number of countries where a language is spoken, the total number of speakers, and the economic power of countries using the language are more direct indicators of a language's impact.

Question 3

Which of the following are considered advantages to communicating in writing?
A) Individuals with writing expertise and knowledge of a language can be readily hired
B) It is a practical approach for routine, daily communications
C) It is an inexpensive approach
D) No additional effort on the part of the manager is required

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

Managers who do not understand the link between the type of apologies and explanations people provide risk provoking conflict and creating misunderstandings in cross-cultural situations such as during:
A) Infrequent interactions with employees
B) Infrequent interactions with clients
C) Performance appraisals
D) Formal reports to the board

Accepted Answer

Performance appraisals often involve direct feedback and discussions about an employee's work, which can be sensitive and prone to misunderstandings, especially in cross-cultural contexts where communication styles and expectations may differ.

Question 5

A silent pause in a conversation indicates which of the following?
A) The participants have an opportunity (or obligation) to respond
B) The participants are carefully considering what has been said
C) The participants are uncomfortable and someone should immediately say something to fill the silence
D) All of the above, depending on the cultural perspective of the participants

Accepted Answer

Silent pauses in conversations can serve various purposes and be interpreted differently depending on the cultural context and the situation. They can provide a moment for participants to respond or reflect, or indicate discomfort, among other interpretations.

Question 6

Which of the following is not an example of the types of communications that can readily be influenced by cross-cultural differences:
A) Compliments and criticisms
B) Criticisms and apologies
C) Observations and questions
D) Forgiveness and apologies

Accepted Answer

Observations and questions are less influenced by cross-cultural differences compared to the other options, which involve more nuanced and emotionally charged interactions that can vary significantly across cultures.

Question 7

Experts in international communication recommend all of the following as a starting point for becoming an effective intercultural communicator except:
A) Assume that people are different, not similar, and treat your interpretations as temporary and subject to further analysis
B) Make judgments quickly and emphasize the evaluation and interpretation of events
C) Practice putting yourself in other people's shoes when communicating-be patient and understanding
D) When experiencing a lot of conflict, look for communication problems as the first source

Accepted Answer

Making judgments quickly and emphasizing the evaluation and interpretation of events can hinder effective intercultural communication. It's important to remain open and flexible, avoiding premature conclusions about others' behaviors or intentions.

Question 8

Which of the following differences in cultural approaches to common communication issues are correctly paired?
A) Compliments: Individualistic -infrequent praise in private; Collectivistic-praise is common
B) Criticism: Individualistic-indirect and toward groups; Collectivistic-passive and ambiguous
C) Apology: Individualistic-direct with justifications; Collectivistic-direct and extensive with no explanation
D) Both a and c

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following differences in cultural...

Question 9

Which of the following statements are valid examples of how context influences communication in high-context cultures such as China, Korea, Japan, or France?
A) Relies on trust for agreement and personal relations detract from business
B) Relies on trust for agreement and what is unsaid, but understood; carries less weight than written comments
C) Personal relations add to business and relies on trust for agreement
D) Relies on trust for agreement and what is unsaid but understood; carries less weight than written or verbal comments

Accepted Answer

In high-context cultures, communication relies heavily on the underlying context, non-verbal cues, and the relationship between the parties. Personal relationships are considered important in business dealings, and trust is a crucial element for agreements.

Question 10

Characteristics of business letters from Americans to foreign firms include which of the following?
A) Use of informal, casual tone
B) Use of exaggerated courtesy
C) Use of frequent compliments
D) Use of formal tone

Accepted Answer

The answer of Characteristics of business letters from Americans to...

Question 11

Experts in international communication suggest which of the following for becoming an effective intercultural communicator?
A) Assume that people are similar
B) When experiencing conflict, look for cultural differences as the first source
C) Delay judgment; emphasize description of events, evaluation, and interpretation
D) Practice putting yourself in other people's shoes when communicating-be patient and understanding

Accepted Answer

The answer of Experts in international communication suggest which of...

Question 12

Which of the following are known language challenges to international managers?
A) Studying a language and becoming fluent is important, but easy
B) Studying a language and becoming fluent is making a commitment to that particular language
C) Being fluent in another language signals that a manager is highly intelligent
D) Being fluent in another language is not time consuming

Accepted Answer

Studying a language and becoming fluent requires a significant commitment to learning and understanding the nuances of that language, which is essential for effective communication and management in an international context.

Question 13

English is becoming more pervasive in international business circles because of:
A) The influence of European higher education around the world
B) The grammatically simple nature of English as a common tongue
C) The exposure to many languages around the world via the Internet
D) The number of multinational firms

Accepted Answer

The answer of English is becoming more pervasive in international...

Question 14

Which of the following does not accurately describe the primary features of the world's languages?
A) Only about 6% of all languages have more than 1 million speakers
B) About 25 languages account for most of the world's communication
C) A language spoken by only one group of people has less influence than a language spoken by people in many different countries
D) About 10 languages account for most of the world's communication

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following does not accurately...

Question 15

Context seems to affect communication style in different ways. Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding the influence of context?
A) Japanese business communications are direct and rely on an intuitive style so they prefer to communicate via letters
B) American and Canadian communications are generally indirect and rely on a rational, process-based approach
C) Managers in high-context cultures are generally more comfortable with silence, feel that details can be worked out later, and engage in more complex and indirect communication
D) Managers in low-context cultures frequently use nonverbal features and prefer to "beat around the bush"

Accepted Answer

The answer of Context seems to affect communication style in...

Question 16

American reliance on the English language can result in a competitive disadvantage because:
A) American firms overplay the value of multilingual employees
B) American managers do not feel that foreign-language skills are important
C) The United States receives a high rating on language knowledge
D) American managers feel that foreign-language skills are important

Accepted Answer

American managers often do not prioritize or recognize the importance of foreign-language skills, which can limit their ability to effectively engage in international markets and understand diverse cultures, leading to a competitive disadvantage.

Question 17

Why is English becoming more pervasive among international businesses?
A) The size of the American economy and global reach of the United States
B) The Internet is exposing many people to the English language
C) English is grammatically complex, but important
D) Both a and b

Accepted Answer

The size of the American economy and the global influence of the United States, along with the widespread use of the Internet, which predominantly features English content, are key factors in the increasing pervasiveness of English among international businesses.

Question 18

Which of the following has not been given as a reason for Americans' lack of interest in other languages?
A) Studies show that Americans think foreigners will take higher paying jobs because of their language skills
B) The United States is relatively isolated geographically and has no need for additional languages
C) Rapid transmission of information is now possible via the Internet, primarily in English
D) Americans tend to be ethnocentric and inwardly focused on their own culture

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is A because the other options (B, C, D) are commonly cited reasons for Americans' lack of interest in learning other languages. These include geographical isolation, the dominance of English on the internet, and a focus on their own culture. However, the fear that foreigners will take higher-paying jobs because of their language skills is not a commonly given reason for Americans' lack of interest in learning other languages.

Question 19

Which of the following statements are valid examples of how context influences communication in low-context cultures such as Germany, Switzerland, and the United States?
A) A handshake is sufficient for an agreement
B) The focus is on the general tone of what was actually written
C) Trust is secured with improved personal relationships
D) Personal relations detract from business

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements are valid...

Question 20

Which of the following accurately describes how vocal qualities influence verbal communication?
A) Americans will likely interpret a fast pace or rate of speaking as a show of incompetence and indecisiveness
B) Speed and loudness can, in and of themselves, communicate a message
C) Koreans are likely to interpret a slow pace or rate of speaking as a show of incompetence
D) None of the above are accurate

Accepted Answer

Speed and loudness are aspects of paralanguage, which can significantly influence the message being communicated, often independent of the actual words spoken. These vocal qualities can convey emotions, urgency, confidence, or other intentions to the listener.

Quiz 3: Communicating Effectively Across Cultures

Which of the following explains continuing problems in communication for international managers?

Measures of impact of a specific language include all but which one of the following?

Which of the following are considered advantages to communicating in writing?

Managers who do not understand the link between the type of apologies and explanations people provide risk provoking conflict and creating misunderstandings in cross-cultural situations such as during:

A silent pause in a conversation indicates which of the following?

Which of the following is not an example of the types of communications that can readily be influenced by cross-cultural differences:

Experts in international communication recommend all of the following as a starting point for becoming an effective intercultural communicator except:

Which of the following differences in cultural approaches to common communication issues are correctly paired?

Which of the following statements are valid examples of how context influences communication in high-context cultures such as China, Korea, Japan, or France?

Characteristics of business letters from Americans to foreign firms include which of the following?

Experts in international communication suggest which of the following for becoming an effective intercultural communicator?

Which of the following are known language challenges to international managers?

English is becoming more pervasive in international business circles because of:

Which of the following does not accurately describe the primary features of the world's languages?

Context seems to affect communication style in different ways. Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding the influence of context?

American reliance on the English language can result in a competitive disadvantage because:

Why is English becoming more pervasive among international businesses?

Which of the following has not been given as a reason for Americans' lack of interest in other languages?

Which of the following statements are valid examples of how context influences communication in low-context cultures such as Germany, Switzerland, and the United States?

Which of the following accurately describes how vocal qualities influence verbal communication?